The semi-finals of the Plate Division in the SLNCA/ Sandals Under-19 Cricket tournament comes off this weekend, after some dominant and sometimes hard-fought matches in the preliminary rounds; while the finals is due for next weekend.
Meanwhile, the Cup Division continues with one more round of group matches before the semifinals round.
The Plate Semi-Finals matchup will feature:
Mabouya vs. Soufriere at the Phillip Marcellin Grounds [PMG],
Gros Islet B vs. Vieux Fort North at the Wenn playing field.
Tournament organiser, Shawn Alcindor said that despite the weather challenges “we have been making every effort to see that the guys get to play and prepare for the upcoming competitions.’
He singled out some outstanding performances from players in the Sandals Under-19 fixtures, such as four players who hit half centuries, namely Royce Paul, Lee Paul, Jonathan Daniel (Gros Islet) and Daren Sammy Jr. (Micoud).
Six players picked up five-wicket hauls, namely, Torrie Hippolyte, Isiah Jones, Lee John (Gros Islet), Keniel St. Hill, Kenrick Jones (South Castries) and Josh Cepal (Babonneau).
According to Alcindor, a final selection will be made to prepare a national team for the upcoming Windward Islands Under-19 Cricket Tournament, to be hosted here, this April.
Meanwhile, last Sunday at the Gros Islet playing field, Gros Islet Under-19 displayed an impressive batting performance to put on an imposing total of 363 for 9 (50 overs) versus South Castries Under-19. South Castries was whittled out for a meager 74 runs (17.1overs), giving Gros Islet a massive win.
The home side opted to bat first, and that decision worked very much in their favour as four of their batters scored half-centuries. Leading the charge was Saint Lucia and Windward Islands Under-15 wicketkeeper Johnathan Daniel 76, and other contributors were Ryan Goodman 65, Lee John 57 and Royce Paul 51.
Wickets for South Castries were shared amongst Jaylan Chandler 5 for 93 (10 overs), Aaron Joseph 2 for 61 (8 overs) and Merville Samuel 2 for 84 (8 overs).
Torrie Hippolyte took a ‘fifer’ with 5 for 11 runs (3overs).
Result: Gros Islet won by 289 runs.
At Mindoo Phillip Park, batting first, Babonneau scored 116 all out (30.2 overs) against Central Castries with Anselm Gittens top scoring with a resilient 39, and Vishal Singh 14 at the top of the order.
Bowling for Central Castries Khalil St Hill took 4 wickets for 21 (5.2 overs), with assistance from pacer Jaxsan Justin 2 for 30 (4 overs) and Thai Harris 2 for 13 (4 overs).
In reply, Central Castries easily reached the winning target, scoring 119 for 3 (26 overs).
Openers Amari Venner 39* and Desne Gidharry 16 set up the momentum for other batters to follow, with captain Ackeem Auguste hitting a rapid 26.
Last weekend matches continued at the Mindoo Phillip Park and Wenn Playing Field.
Summarised scores were as follows:
At Wenn-
Babonneau 92 all out (29 overs) – Alexi Khodra 16, Jdell Louis 12, McKay Brigitle 12, Hansle Mason 3 for 11 (8 overs) and Daren Sammy Jr. 3 for 27 (8 overs).
Micoud 45 all out (15.1 overs) – Stephon Dupres 22, Saachin Cepal 4 for 1 (6 overs) and Jaeden Khodra 3 for 8 (3 overs).
Result: Babonneau won by 47 runs.
At Mindoo Phillip Park,
St Lucia Sports Academy [SLSA] 149 (36.2 overs) – Jaylan Chandler 42, Kenrick James and Merville Samuel 14; Kensley Paul 3/13 (5), Sheldon Willie 2 / 23 (7) and Jelani Joseph 2 / 33 (9).
South Castries 126 (39.2 overs) – Kensley Paul 42, Jeremiah Fedee 20, Noelle Leo 16; Kenrick James 5 / 33 (9.2), Merville Samuel 2 /13 and Marshall Lammy 2 / 26.
Result: SLSA won by 23 runs.